Gluten Sensitivity vs Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is most commonly confused with gluten intolerance, though the two are very different things. Gluten sensitivity is a condition where eating gluten leads to uncomfortable GI symptoms, including abdominal cramping, bloating and diarrhea. It does not lead to serious medical complications. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder causing inflammation and damage in the lining of the small bowel with exposure to gluten. It can lead to serious medical complications, and it improves with a strict gluten-free diet. The GI symptoms are very similar between the two. As such, it can be challenging to tell one from the other. Formal medical testing is often needed to ensure patients with Celiac disease are identified and get the care they need.
Digestive Health Specialists is here to help you if you, or someone you know, would like more information, or if you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms and would like further evaluation.